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The Society for the Environment Champions World Environment Day

June 5th, was World Environment Day. To celebrate, the Society for the Environment, in partnership with a number of its Licensed Bodies, put together a number of activities to promote the significance of what the day stands for.

World Environment Day is a UN initiative that has highlighted important global issues since its beginning in 1974 including climate change, marine pollution and wildlife crime. It was the second year in which the Society for the Environment has taken a lead in celebrating the day. This year’s overall theme was ‘Connecting People with Nature’.

A highlight this year was an expert led World Environment Day conference titled ‘Innovation, Partnership and the Value of Nature’ held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), London. It featured many of the themes in the current activities of the Society, with the speakers provoking comments such as “a fascinating, challenging talk”.

The Society was delighted to include two official launches within the programme. The launches included the Society for the Environment Newsletter and ‘Festival of Nature’ 2017.

The Society for the Environment newsletter, launched by the Society’s Chair Dr Peter Matthews CBE, will be a hub of information available to both registered environmental professionals and interested parties. The aim is to keep people informed of featured news and opportunities across the 24 Licensed Bodies, to showcase the work of registrants and the Society alike and to highlight relevant upcoming events. Contact the Society to find out how to sign up to receive these newsletters.

Festival of Nature 2017 includes a series of environmental based events attracting over 30,000 people between the 8th and 25th June 2017. The event was launched by CEO of Bristol Natural History Consortium Savita Custead. Find out more by visiting www.festivalofnature.org.uk.

Of course, the withdrawal of the USA Government from the Paris Accord on Climate Change was on delegates minds. The Society responded to this globally significant decision with a letter published in The Times newspaper on Saturday 3rd June.

Dr Emma Wilcox, CEO of the Society, said; “Our goal is to make World Environment Day celebrated by everyone, and 2017 has seen big steps in a wider awareness. However, we have a long journey yet. We are starting to plan for future years and any ideas will be welcome.”

Dr Peter Matthews CBE, Chair of the Society added; “I am very pleased with the progress in raising the profile of the Society, World Environment Day and the recognition that we need to encourage behavioural change alongside efficient and effective regulation; this must be part of our thoughts and actions in a post Brexit world.”

The Society thanks all those involved in the organisation of the event, with particular thanks to the expert speakers who provided some engaging, thought provoking content for the audience.

World Environment Day blogs, articles and a live Twitter feed can be found on the Society’s website – www.socenv.org.uk/WED2017.